Scribd
Upload
295 views14 pages

Unit 1 - Computational Thinking

Class notes for Computational Thinking

Uploaded by

Jose Arturo Gonzalez Gomez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
295 views14 pages

Unit 1 - Computational Thinking

Class notes for Computational Thinking

Uploaded by

Jose Arturo Gonzalez Gomez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Computational Thinking

By José Arturo González G.


Introduction:
Computational Thinking (CT) is an approach
used to understand and find solutions to
complex problems. It involves formulating
an existent problem, followed by a means of
expressing its solution in such a way that a
computer, machine or human can effectively
carry out the proposed solution. This
approach is achieved by executing 4
consecutive steps.
Steps involved in Computational Thinking
1. Decomposition: This step primarily involves breaking down complex problems
into smaller more manageable subproblems. The focus of breaking a big
complex problem into smaller subproblems is called analysis. While
rebuilding or focusing on how the subproblems come back together is called
synthesis.
Smaller
Subproblem
#1
Big
Big o m plex
Smaller C
Complex Subproblem
ob l e m #3 =
ro b lem
Problem
#2
malle
r Su b p r P
lem #2+ S
r Su bprob
m alle
#1+ S
Smaller
Subproblem blem
#3 ler Subpro
Smal
Steps involved in Computational Thinking
2. Pattern Recognition: This step involves identifying patterns or trends within a
problem. These patterns could be found at the big problem level or within the
subproblem level. Identified patterns become opportunities for efficiency
when searching for a solution to a given problem. Patterns help us determine
which operations can and need to be performed. This will become critical if
you intend to utilize computers to automate or streamline the solution to a
problem.

What would be the next number?


Steps involved in Computational Thinking
3. Abstraction: This step involves identifying specific similarities and differences
among similar problems that might lead towards a solution. Through
abstraction we can design a more generalized model of the complex problem
being solved. Basically, it deals with identifying and extracting relevant
information to define main ideas. This means filtering out details that are not
necessary to solve the problem. Finally leading to a model, equation, image or
simulation that truly represents the variables that impact the problem.
Abstraction permits us to build a generic representation of the problem.
Steps involved in Computational Thinking
4. Algorithm: This final step is centered around developing
a step-by-step set of instructions or the rules necessary
to solve a given problem. In other words algorithms
involve determining the right steps, following these
steps completely and lastly making and correcting
mistakes accordingly (debugging).
Algorithms move the problem from the modeling phase
to the operational stage of problem solving.
Algorithms are characterized as being efficient and
written in such a way that they can be used for
automation, used as input for computer coding or
simply followed by humans.
Algorithms are always designed to be sequential,
complete, accurate and finite.
Computational Thinking
Thinking Exercise: Help Chuck survive on this deserted island.

Chuck
Decomposition
Pattern Recognition
Abstraction
Algorithms

Can you think of any for this particular situation? Remember you need to help
Chuck survive.
Why is Computational Thinking important

You might also like